'The Follies Concert Party

'The Follies Concert Party

Date: 1916 - 1919

Object number: PRA52

DescriptionThis photograph shows the 47th Divisional Concert Party 'The Follies', one of many such theatre troupes who formed during World War One to entertain their fellow troops when stationed abroad. The original members of the party were E.A. Boughton, R.H. Cobley, E. Sawyer, C.F. Cherry, F.C. Mott, S. Dignum and W.V. Tidmarsh (all 21st Battalion), L.E. Amand (24th), and L.C. Ward (18th). They were later joined by R.H. Wyatt (5th London Field Ambulance), H. Collins, A. Hughes and J. Cottham (21st Battalion), W. Every (15th) and J. Leggett (22nd). They were also lucky enough to be joined by a dedicated orchestra from the 22nd Battalion led by F.H. Stamper joined by messrs Garnet, Robson, Taylor, Barnes, Dolder and Harris. They performed a variety of comedic and variety pieces, and one popular song performed by two 'ladies' vying for the love of one gentleman was 'Wonderful Girl, Wonderful Time' from the 1916 musical Houp-La. The Follies often wore dinstinctive green and black pierrot costumes although this photograph depicts them in character roles.